https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1638-A-War-Without-Victors-Eighty-Eight-/12529406/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-1640-A-War-Without-Victors-Ninety-/12529411/
Chapter 1639: A War With No Victors (Eighty-Nine)
Chapter 1639: A War With No Victors (Eighty-Nine)
While waiting to meet with Sirius, Hermione suggested taking Mrs. Weasley on a tour of Avalon, but her proposal was politely declined. Though curious about the newly built village, Mrs. Weasley had more pressing matters at hand and didn't want to trouble the young builders.
Thankfully, they didn't have to wait long for Sirius, who soon appeared outside the rest tent alone.
"Where's Remus?" Hermione asked, puzzled.
As a close friend of Harry's father, Lupin had no reason not to be involved in Harry's wedding, and it was unusual for him not to accompany Sirius.
"Remus is tied up with work," Sirius replied, his expression a bit unnatural as he withheld certain details from them.
"Because of the recent werewolf attacks?" Hermione guessed the reason.
"That's part of it," Sirius admitted. "So, we discussed it and felt that Remus should minimize his outings. I've been busy with Harry's wedding preparations, and the work has to be handed over to Lupin for now." Sirius felt helpless about the situation. Ever since the werewolf attacks came to light, Lupin's position had become extremely awkward, despite his contributions to the fight against Voldemort.
"Overtime, everyone's working overtime!"
Mrs. Weasley looked exasperated, and it was no wonder that her frustration was mounting. With Harry and Ginny's wedding fast approaching, there was a need for a detailed discussion about the wedding arrangements, but Harry and Arthur were always working late, leaving her as the only one in the family truly concerned about the upcoming nuptials.
"These are exceptional times, and it can't be helped," Sirius quickly changed the subject. "Let's go take a look at the wedding venue!"
As Ginny was pregnant, it wasn't advisable for her to move around too much, so Hermione took the lead and brought the two of them directly to Harry and Ginny's new home.
"A very Muggle-style building. Albert's generosity never ceases to amaze," Sirius said, slightly agape as he took in the villa that had been completed just days earlier.
He had been concerned about whether Harry and Ginny would be willing to live with him after their marriage, but Harry's new home would surely silence any naysayers.
Whether it was Bill and Fleur's Shell Cottage, the Black family's 12 Grimmauld Place, or most of the wizarding homes Sirius had seen, none could compare to the villa before him.
"Once this village is complete, I'm sure many will envy and desire to settle here," Sirius thought of his old friend, Remus, who was working tirelessly to provide a stable home for Tonks and their child.
But Sirius dared not inquire about Remus with Albert, as they both understood the werewolf's predicament. Perhaps Albert didn't mind Lupin's condition, but they knew others would.
Even though they had faced life and death together, no one wanted to keep a ticking time bomb by their side, especially after the recent werewolf attack that had made people even more vigilant.
"In that case, they'll be disappointed. To settle in Avalon, one must first obtain Albert's permission. Currently, most of the residents here are former 'Defense Association' members," Hermione guessed Sirius' train of thought and gently explained, "Moreover, to gain permanent residency here, one must have helped during the village's construction."
"Isn't it about the house?" Mrs. Weasley, who had been examining the empty lot next to the villa, turned back in confusion.
"It's not just about the house, it's about permanent residency. Of course, you could say it's about obtaining your own villa, but if you don't plan on settling here, the house will be taken back, and descendants will not inherit it," Hermione added, though she didn't know why Albert had specifically mentioned this. She trusted that he had his reasons.
In fact, it wasn't something to be too concerned about, as many wizards didn't live with their parents after marriage.
"So, that means Ron..." Mrs. Weasley suddenly remembered a troubling matter.
"Ron does qualify to own his own villa, but since he didn't participate in the construction here..." Hermione, understanding Mrs. Weasley's worries, gently consoled her, "However, Albert has considered this. There are also a few apartments in Avalon reserved for comrades who fought together during the Second Wizarding War. They only need to pay a symbolic one Galleon per month as accommodation fees to have their own room here."
"Does Albert have the final say on everything here?" Mrs. Weasley was perplexed. From Hermione's words, it seemed like Albert owned the entire village.
In her opinion, Avalon should be a gathering place for wizards, and even if there were rules, it seemed improbable that...
"Yes, I heard that when this place was still a dilapidated village, Albert bought it from Muggles with his own money. So, he technically owns this land," Hermione explained to a stunned Mrs. Weasley. "Initially, Albert used this place as the headquarters of the Defense Association. Later, after it was destroyed by Death Eaters, he planned to rebuild it as the new home for the 'Defense Association' members."
"That sounds like something he would do," Sirius said, admiring the bustling activity around him and feeling grateful for Albert's generosity and open-handedness. He knew that this village was built with a portion of the bounty Albert received for killing Voldemort, so it made sense that Albert had the final say.
"Yes, to be honest, I was quite surprised when I first heard about it," Hermione said, as if remembering something. She pointed to the empty lot next to Harry's villa and added, "When Albert suggested that Harry choose this spot for his home, he must have already considered Harry's future marriage. This empty space can accommodate a large number of people."
"However, this villa needs a thorough cleaning, and some interior decoration is required. If necessary, we can put up some wallpaper," Sirius suggested.
"Don't worry about that. The furniture is already being made, and there's a backup plan for the renovations," Hermione assured with a smile. "Everything will be ready before Harry's wedding, though the collective move-in date might have to be postponed a bit."
"That's fine. It wouldn't be appropriate to move in before the entire villa zone is completed anyway," Sirius understood. Everyone was willing to help Harry build his home, but moving in early would be seen as breaking unity.
Although both Sirius and Mrs. Weasley were curious about Avalon, they didn't intend to loiter. After inspecting the wedding venue, they returned to discuss the wedding details and work on the guest list and invitations, aiming to send them out a week before the wedding.
(End of Chapter)
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